Dreyblatt, a concerto for piano composed by Wilhelm Friedrich Ernst Bach, requires three performers to share a single instrument simultaneously. The piece necessitates a man seated between two petite women, where he extends his arms around them to strike the outer keys while his partners cover the middle sections, demonstrating the composer’s interest in complex musical mechanics.
Early Training and English Residency
Born in 1759 in Bückeburg, Wilhelm Friedrich Ernst Bach was the eldest son of Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach and the only grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach to achieve recognition as a composer. His foundational musical education was provided by his uncle, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. He later travelled to England to study under another uncle, Johann Christian Bach, remaining in the country until 1784. Following the death of Johann Christian in London on 1 January 1782, he eventually departed for Germany by way of Holland.
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Upon his return to the Kingdom of Prussia, he established himself within the professional music scene. He served as the music director for King Frederick William II. In 1786, he accepted the position of Kapellmeister of Minden, followed by a tenure as Kapellmeister in Berlin from 1788 until 1811. His professional activities were diverse, encompassing roles as a pianist, organist, harpsichordist, music teacher, and independent publisher. He eventually retired after receiving a pension granted by Prince Heinrich, the brother of King Friedrich Wilhelm III.
Legacy and Final Years
During his later life, he maintained connections with prominent figures in the musical community. On 23 April 1843, he attended the unveiling of the Bach Monument in Leipzig, where he encountered Robert Schumann. Schumann noted the composer's physical agility and expressive features at the age of 84. He was married twice and had three daughters; his eldest daughter, Caroline Augusta Wilhelmine, survived until 1871, marking the end of the direct line of the Bach family. He died in 1845 in Berlin and is buried at the Friedhof II der Sophiengemeinde.
Fast facts
- Born: 1759, Bückeburg
- Died: 1845, Berlin
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia
- Primary Occupations: Composer, pianist, chapelmaster
- Notable Work: Dreyblatt
- Burial Site: Friedhof II der Sophiengemeinde Berlin
Questions readers ask
Was he related to Johann Sebastian Bach?
Yes, he was the only grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach to gain professional fame as a composer.
What was the Dreyblatt composition?
It was a concerto written for three pianists to perform together on one piano.
Achievements
- Instruments: harpsichord
